Ready for Your Newborn’s Very First Photoshoot? Follow These 10 Easy Prep Steps

How to Prepare for your Newborn Photoshoot Glastonbury CT

Those first few days home from the hospital blur together in the best possible way. You’re learning your baby’s tiny squeaks, surviving on coffee, and wondering how something so small can make your heart feel this full. When families visit my Glastonbury studio, my goal is to preserve those feelings—soft, quiet, and real. The secret isn’t about perfect outfits or sleepy poses. It’s about preparation.

With just a few thoughtful steps before and during your session, you’ll arrive calm, your baby will be cozy and content, and together we’ll create portraits that capture this fleeting newborn stage beautifully. Wondering what a newborn session with this CT newborn photographer is like, visit my newborn porfolio.

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Before Your Session

1) When preparing for your newborn session, be mindful of what you eat (especially if you’re breastfeeding)

Two days before your session, keep your meals gentle so they don’t upset little tummies. Many parents choose to avoid spicy or very gassy foods (think large servings of onions, beans, cabbage). If you’re nursing, moderate caffeine is usually fine, but very high intakes can make some babies a bit fussy or wakeful. For nuance on caffeine and breastfeeding, see the CDC and LactMed summaries. CDC+1

Pro tip: Hydrate. Good hydration helps breastfeeding go smoothly and keeps everyone’s energy up.

2) Plan around baby’s procedures

If your little one has any minor procedures scheduled, let’s time your session so healing comes first. For baby boys, most hospitals and pediatric centers note circumcision sites typically heal in about 7–10 days. If circumcision is planned, schedule the photos either at least 48 hours after the procedure (minimum) or before it happens. Always follow your pediatrician’s guidance. Johns Hopkins Medicine

Local tip: If you’re coming from South Glastonbury, Wethersfield, or Rocky Hill, plan for 15 extra minutes—Glastonbury’s rush-hour traffic can be sneaky, especially along Main Street and Route 2 exits.

Bookmark for planning: Skim my studio’s Newborn Session Planning Guide for types of photographs we create and which poses/outfits are available. One Big Happy Photo

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The Day of Your Session

3) Best baby can do to prepare for a newborn photoshoot? Bathtime! (warm and unhurried)

A cozy bath the morning of your session freshens flaky skin and fluffs fine hair. It also tires your baby out and helps ensure they will be sleepy during the newborn session.

4) Playtime (then a good, sleepy window)

We aim for a happily drowsy baby in the studio. Try to keep baby gently awake for about 1 hour before you arrive—talk, sing, diaper change, bright room—then feed right before we begin so baby can drift off in that “milk-drunk” sweetness. Many newborn photographers use this rhythm to encourage sleep during posing.

5) Snacktime (for baby and for you)

Since you will either fully feed your baby before you leave home or right after arriving at the studio, we shouldn’t need to stop for a full feed. However, bring bottles of expressed milk or formula for quick top-offs so pausing for a full feed is less likely. Even a small feed often settles baby back to sleep between setups. Pack simple snacks and water for yourselves, too; sessions are baby-paced.

6) Showtime wardrobe (easy on, easy off)

Dress baby in something loose and simple—zip or snap sleepers are perfect—so we can easily undress baby without too much fuss. The studio stays warm for baby’s comfort, so you won’t need layers on them.

What about parents’ outfits? Keep it timeless and neutral so the focus stays on connection. If you’d like ideas, browse Newborn Photos: What to Wear for Your Newborn Session for palettes that age beautifully on your walls.

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During Your Session

7) When preparing for your newborn photoshoot in Glastonbury, Parents: dress in layers

Because the studio is warmed for baby’s bare skin, it can feel toasty. Bring a light layer you can remove once you’re comfortable.

8) Plan the flow (and give siblings an exit plan)

Newborn sessions typically run 2.5 – 3 hours; if we’re including an energetic toddler, plan for closer to 3. We’ll do family portraits first—usually 30–40 minutes—so other children (and partners) can head out afterward if they’d like, while we finish baby portraits at an easier pace.

Want more on why parent portraits matter? Here’s a quick read on the value of Getting Newborn Photos with Parents and how we keep it simple and flattering.

9) Your job: rest

You’ve just done the hardest job in the world—bringing a new life into it. During your session, you can truly relax. I handle the posing, soothing, and safety at every step. Many parents take this quiet time to nap, read, or scroll through their phone in peace. The couch is comfortable—promise.

Want to learn great at-home soothing you can use later: I teach gentle techniques during sessions; you can preview a few favorites in my tips on soothing your newborn guide.

10) Keep guests to a minimum

The studio is cozy and calm by design. Limiting visitors to immediate family helps baby settle and keeps the environment serene. Everyone else will get to enjoy the portraits when you share them.

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What to Pack: A Short Checklist for Preparing for Your Newborn Photoshoot

• Diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit for baby

• Bottles of expressed milk or formula + burp cloths

• Pacifier (if you use one)

• A backup top for each parent (milk happens)

• Light snacks and water

• Small entertainment for siblings (coloring book, tablet with headphones)

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Frequently Asked Questions (Connecticut parents’ favorites)

How old should baby be for newborn portraits?
Most posed studio sessions happen within the first two weeks when babies are particularly sleepy and curly. That said, beautiful portraits are possible up until 6 weeks old—your gallery will simply lean a little more into awake expressions and wrapped sets.

Should I keep baby awake before we arrive?
A gentle awake window (about 1 hour) followed by a solid feed right before we start is ideal. It helps baby slip into a deep sleep for those peaceful, swaddled portraits.

I’m breastfeeding. Do I need to avoid coffee completely?
Not usually. Research summaries suggest moderate caffeine is generally compatible with breastfeeding, though very high intakes can sometimes make infants more wakeful or fussy. If you notice sensitivity, try reducing caffeine 12–24 hours before your session. NCBI+1

What should we wear so the portraits look timeless?
Neutrals, soft textures, and simple lines photograph beautifully and avoid color casts on baby’s skin. Here are specific wardrobe ideas with palettes that won’t date your portraits.

Can siblings and grandparents come?
Yes, for a few family portraits at the start. After that, it’s best to keep the studio quiet. If siblings come, plan an activity or a helpful adult who can take them on an outing so they can take a break after their turn.

What if baby has a circumcision or other minor procedure?
We’ll schedule with healing in mind. We usually plan for a minimum of 2 days afterwards.

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Gentle Safety Notes We Follow in Every Glastonbury CT Newborn Session

• Baby’s airway, temperature, and circulation are monitored throughout.

• Poses that appear unsupported are created as composites so baby is always safe.

• Surfaces and fabrics are sanitized; anyone handling baby washes and sanitizes hands.

• The studio stays warm, and we use white noise to mimic womb-like sound.

If you’re expecting and live in Glastonbury, Connecticut, or within driving distance, now’s the time to reserve your newborn session. Contact me today to secure your spot, and I’ll send your personalized prep guide so your baby’s first portraits feel as natural and beautiful as these early days. Want to learn more about this CT newborn photographer, visit my One Big Happy Photo home page to see how it all happens!